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Weizmann Institute of Science


Uncovering varied pathways to agriculture

A team of scientists and archaeologists has discovered a 15,000-year-old Natufian site in Jordan that pushes back the timeline for permanent settlement in the region. The site's early dates suggest that hunter-gatherers were more versatile than previously thought and had multiple pathways to agriculture.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2017

Autism and the smell of fear

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science found that individuals on the autism spectrum exhibit distinct reactions to 'smells of fear' and 'calm sweat', including changes in anxiety levels. This suggests a possible underlying connection between smell, social cues, and early brain development in autism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 27, 2017

Colder and colder

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created a novel method for cooling ions using electrostatic fields, allowing them to reach temperatures near absolute zero. This breakthrough enables the study of large biological molecules and nanoparticles, with potential applications in medicine and materials science.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 18, 2017

Lego proteins revealed

Researchers have discovered that self-assembling protein complexes can form long, stiff filaments through a single mutation. This phenomenon has implications for both biological research and nanoscience, as it may indicate that Lego-like assemblies are more common than previously thought.

The breaking point

Researchers developed a new theory to understand how cracks propagate, revealing a nonlinear relationship between forces and material response near the crack's edge. This discovery may lead to better understanding of material failures and development of new strategies for protecting the environment.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 23, 2017

Cell economics 101

Researchers discovered that intestinal cells use a strategy to increase protein production within minutes of food entering the intestines, enabling fast and efficient processing. This approach has potential medical implications for diseases such as colitis, Crohn's disease, and bowel cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2017

Rhapsody in red violet

A new study reveals that beets can produce a pigment with high antioxidant properties, boosting crop nutrition and resistance to disease. The researchers successfully engineered plants to produce this pigment, which also showed promise in controlling gray mold in crops.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2017

The dust storm microbiome

Research at Weizmann Institute of Science finds dust storm microbiomes differ by region, with rising bacterial species during storms. The study identifies a 'signature' for each source of bacteria based on antibiotic resistance genes, revealing that local sources pose less threat than imported genes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 27, 2017

Jerusalem tower younger than thought

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science used advanced radiocarbon dating methods to determine the age of a massive stone tower in Jerusalem. The new date, around 800-900 BCE, is nearly 1,000 years younger than the previously assigned date of 1700 BCE and moves the construction of the tower to the Iron Age.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalRadiocarbon·DateJun 15, 2017

Crystallization made crystal clear

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science directly observed crystallization process on molecular level, validating recent theories and showing that knowing how crystal grows can predict end structure. The study found that dense phases lead to lower energy barrier and more stable crystals.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017

Keeping up the pressure

Researchers discovered a separate mechanism in the brain that deals only with chronic stress, involving a small group of nerve cells in the paraventricular nucleus. The CRFR1 system is thought to play a role in regulating cortisol levels and may be involved in depression, with patients having more of this receptor than average.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017

How to mix the perfect cocktail

Researchers have developed a method to predict interactions among multiple drugs in combination, bypassing the need for astronomical measurements. The new mathematical model enables scientists to identify optimal blends for chemotherapy cocktails and potentially aid personalized medicine.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2017

A rusty green early ocean?

Researchers suggest ancient ocean had green rusty mineral, green rust, which could have delivered substantial proportion of iron to early ocean sediments. Green rust forms under low oxygen conditions and can transform into iron oxides over time.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017

In search of the wild fava bean

Researchers have identified ancient fava beans in Northern Israel, dating back 14,000 years, to understand the evolution of the crop and improve its biodiversity. The findings provide crucial clues about the time and place where wild faba plants grew naturally.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 9, 2017

Controlling electron spin for efficient water splitting

By controlling electron spin, scientists have almost fully suppressed hydrogen peroxide formation during water splitting, paving the way for efficient solar-based hydrogen production. This breakthrough could lead to more stable and efficient photoelectrochemical cells, increasing the feasibility of using solar energy to split water.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 9, 2017

Making spines from sea water

Scientists have discovered that sea urchins extract calcium ions from seawater through a process where they drink in water and manipulate the ions within their cells. This method is more energy efficient than previously thought, but presents new challenges for understanding how these cells concentrate and expel ions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2017

Wise plant analysis

A new database of plant metabolites and computer tool have been developed to identify healthful antioxidants in tomato skins. The researchers found that valuable substances produced by exotic plants may be derived from more common species, and these findings suggest a broader range of potential uses for plant metabolism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2017

Gene editing takes on new roles

Researchers have combined CRISPR gene editing with single-cell genomic profiling to understand nuanced cellular processes. The new technology enables precise manipulation of genes in individual cells, revealing previously unknown functions and advancing the field of genetic engineering.

Mystery of super flash solved

Astronomers discovered a rare event where a star was destroyed by a massive black hole's gravitational tides, producing an unusually bright flash of light. The event occurred in a distant 'red' galaxy with older stars, defying typical supernova models.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 15, 2016

Double whammy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a promising new combination therapy for triple negative breast cancer, which inhibits tumor growth and survival while preventing drug resistance. The therapy targets EGFR and PYK2 molecules, leading to a more potent therapeutic effect than inhibiting either molecule alone.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 5, 2016

Wise plant analysis

A new method of plant analysis has identified more than twenty metabolites in tomatoes that had never been reported before, including certain antioxidants in the skin. The Weizmann team's tools, WeizMass and MatchWeiz, can help study plant metabolism and identify useful biological activity

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2016

Making spines from sea water

Sea urchins and microorganisms have been found to 'drink' seawater, extracting calcium ions through a network of bubbles within their cells. This method may be more energy-efficient than previous theories, but also presents challenges in manipulating ions in the sea water.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2016

Building a better bowtie

Researchers created bowtie-shaped silver nanoparticles to study quantum phenomena, enabling strong coupling between photons and single quantum systems. The ability to control this coupling could lead to the development of more powerful computing and encryption devices.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2016

Eating air, making fuel

Weizmann Institute researchers successfully engineer E. coli bacteria to consume carbon dioxide and produce sugars, a breakthrough that could help address global food security and climate change. By adapting the bacteria's metabolism through evolution, scientists have created a new tool for studying and improving carbon fixation.

CRFR1 -- only for emergencies

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism shows that neurons in the brain have a significant role in regulating metabolic responses to stressful situations. The CRFR1 receptor, typically associated with the sympathetic nervous system, is found to be expressed on cells involved in appetite regulation and energy expenditure.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 1, 2016

Time to eat

Researchers found that circadian changes in mitochondria regulate energy levels and sugar use for energy production. The study suggests that timing of meals affects metabolic health.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2016